“Transmitting”
“Transmitting” is the debut album by Red Largo, released on 9 February 2024 on Madame Vega’s Boudoir. It is available on vinyl LP and download from Bandcamp, download from Subvert, and on the streaming platforms. LPs are also available from HHV and Bis Aufs Messer in Berlin.
“…a precious gem that shines with its originality and depth.” – Off Topic (IT)
“…resembles the droning engine of an alien mothership as it prepares for take-off.” – The Wire (UK)
“…a genuinely original sound…” – Visions Magazin (DE)
“As long as you are the kind of person who enjoys experimental, thought-provoking, interesting music then you will find this an essential listen” – Louder Than War (UK)
Nominated in three categories for the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik (German Record Critics’ Award).
Based upon the unusual instrumentation of lap steel guitar, drums and bass clarinet through electronics, the music and sound of Red Largo was born out of the creation of music for the theatre performance “Anthropos Ex (Machina)” in Berlin during the winter 2022-23. Under the conceptual direction of Sonja Kessner – the writer/director of the theatre play – seasoned musicians Fredrik Kinbom (Gemma Ray, Gurrumul), Andreas Dormann (Moka Efti Orchestra, Ben Becker) and Chris Farr (Sophie Auster, Moka Efti Orchestra) created a musical language very much their own.
Opening track “Ex Machina” with its ebbs and flows, driven by Dormann’s bass clarinet riff, Farr’s drums and Kinbom’s ebowed lap steel, serves as a statement of intent for both the band and the album.
“Exodus (Transmission 2)” is an instrumental adaption of a song from the critically acclaimed Kinbom & Kessner album “Anthropos” (Hook Music/Theater der Zeit, 2022). It features vocals by Hannah Moule (of British band Moulettes).
Closing number “The X”, which grows from a faint whisper to epic widescreen drone rock over its 18 minutes, was improvised freely in the studio, with some ornaments added later, like running the lap steel through analogue synth filters and the drums through a 90-year-old radio speaker, plus harmonium by Swedish pianist/film composer Matti Bye.
Red Largo are:
Fredrik Kinbom – lap steel, bass guitar, guitar, vibraphone, harmonium, electronics
Andreas Dormann – bass clarinet, electronics, bass flute
Chris Farr – drums
Sonja Kessner – flute
With Special Guests:
Hannah Moule – voice on “Exodus (Transmission 2)”
Matti Bye – harmonium on “The X”
A Madame Vega’s Boudoir release produced by Fredrik Kinbom.
“Ex Machina” and “The X” composed by Kinbom/Dormann/Farr.
“Exodus (Transmission 2)” composed by Kinbom/Kessner.
Arrangements by Red Largo.
Recorded by Ingo Krauss at Candy Bomber Studio, Berlin, assisted by Kiron Guidi.
Additional recordings by Fredrik Kinbom at Madame Vega’s Boudoir and The Pines, Berlin.
Mixed and mastered by Fredrik Kinbom at Madame Vega’s Boudoir, Berlin.
Vinyl lacquer cut by Andreas [LUPO] Lubich.
Cover artwork by Dan Davis / Kin Ship Goods.
